Lamb Gravy

Bisto

5019989102648

Processing

4

Ultra-processed

Group 4 of 4 on the NOVA scale

Additives listed

4

0 we grade moderate or higher

2 of them not yet assessed here

Nutrients

Nothing above the low band

Or no figures recorded at all

Three separate readings, kept apart on purpose. This is not a score, and none of it says this product is harmful.

This label lists 1 colour, 1 emulsifier and 1 flavour enhancer. 1 more we cannot place from the code alone.

E322 Lecithin
Emulsifier
No real concern strong evidence

What it is. A natural emulsifier, usually from soya or sunflower.

Why it is used. Keeps chocolate smooth and stops ingredients separating.

What the evidence says. Safe and widely used. Only relevant if the source, such as soya, is an allergen for you.

Regulatory status UK Permitted EU Permitted US Permitted

Permitted freely. Source allergen must be declared.

Assessed against EFSA, JECFA. Full entry for E322

E621 Monosodium glutamate
Flavour enhancer
No real concern strong evidence

What it is. The sodium salt of glutamate, an amino acid found naturally in tomatoes, cheese and mushrooms.

Why it is used. Boosts savoury, umami flavour in stocks, crisps, ready meals and sauces.

What the evidence says. The old idea of MSG causing headaches and flushing, once called Chinese restaurant syndrome, has not held up in controlled trials. Regulators worldwide treat it as safe at normal intake. A genuinely useful example of a feared additive that the evidence exonerates.

Regulatory status UK Permitted EU Permitted US Permitted

Permitted and classed as safe. Adds to total sodium, so it counts towards salt if a product uses a lot.

Assessed against EFSA, JECFA, US FDA. Full entry for E621

Also on the label, not assessed here yet

  • E150C Ammonia caramel colour
  • E636 No entry in our register

Names and jobs come from the register of additives permitted in Great Britain, which we have not finished transcribing: a code shown without a name is a gap in our coverage, not a finding that it is unapproved. Naming one is not grading it either. Full detail appears only where we have an assessment against a named authority, so all of this describes our coverage rather than these additives. Most are common and low concern.

Potato Starch, Dried Glucose Syrup salt, Flavour Enhancers (E621, E636), Rapeseed oil, Flavourings, Colour(E150c), lamb Powder (1%),onion Powder, Emulsifier (E322) (contains _Soya_), Spices & Herbs, Black Pepper Extract.

As printed on the pack, in the producer's own order: ingredients are listed by weight, so what comes first is most of what is in it. E numbers link to their assessment where we have one.

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